What we're about

This is for anyone who loves the mythology and wants to learn more. We are mostly focused on Greek myth (we spent most of 2018 on the events after the Trojan War), but are interested in comparisons to myth from the wider context of the Mediterranean. We get together at local coffee shops to share stories and perspectives. Occasionally, we have an outing together to view a production of the text we are reading.

Our goal is to read and discuss selections from classical sources in various English translations. In the future, we may also want to view and discuss images of various artifacts, such as pottery, coins, sculpture and other sources of iconography. We may also wish to discuss more modern interpretations, anywhere from Renaissance artwork to modern films.

Upcoming events (1)

After quite a deep dive into the stories surrounding the Trojan War, our encounter with Circe reminds us we need to go further back and pursue another, more ancient strand of epic: Jason and the Argonauts.
Though it was preserved in writing after the Odyssey, the events of Jason's adventure at sea occurred earlier in the timeline and involve an earlier generation of heroes.
Also, the story of Jason comes from the Orphic (not Homeric) tradition of mythology (which has a different perspective on the afterlife). In fact, Orpheus himself was present on the voyage and is a character in the story! (However, since this story was recorded so late in history, the influences of the Homeric style are apparent in the text.)
This version is attributed to Apollonios of Rhodes, who was the Chief Librarian at Alexandria c247 BCE.
Here is an older translation (R. C. Seaton)
https://www.amazon.com/Argonautica-Apollonius-Rhodius/dp/1507624832
Here is a newer one (Richard Hunter)
https://www.amazon.com/Jason-Golden-Fleece-Argonautica-Classics/dp/0199538727/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RJ78VPQF4DP5&keywords=argonautica&qid=1549855043&s=books&sprefix=argonautica%2Cstripbooks%2C191&sr=1-1
This one is good for searching (translated by R. C. Seaton)
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/830/830-h/830-h.htm
Cover art:
https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/jason-and-legendary-golden-fleece-001307
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/17473/